Mongey Opticians, Castlebar and Ballinrobe, has been shortlisted for not one, but two highly prestigious awards in the upcoming 2009 Opticians Awards. Mongey Opticians are nominated for both the Independent Practice of the Year award in Ireland and UK while co-director of Mongey Opticians, Áine Higgins, is short listed for Optometrist of the Year Award. Mongey Opticians fought off fierce competition to become the only Irish opticians featuring in this year’s awards ceremony which will be held in Birmingham this April.
The Independent Optician Practice of the Year award acknowledges the independent opticians who can demonstrate how they provide individualised eye-care and a practice that puts customers first. Ms Higgins commented: “We are delighted to be recognised for our work and our practice. Being short listed for such a prestigious award is a wonderful achievement both for Damien and me, and all the team.” Áine and Damien are ably assisted by their team Helen Doherty, Dairin Mongey, Geraldine McHale, Arlene Staunton, Michael Halligan, and local optometry students from Dublin Institute of Technology, Aoife Cannon and Shane Conroy.
The Optometrist of the Year Award rewards an optometrist who uses his/her optometric skills to enhance the lives of patients and colleagues. The judges short listed those who display evidence of true commitment to patient care and examples of how the optometrist’s actions have benefited patients and the practice. Efforts to further the eye care of patients is also an important factor in this award category in which Ms Higgins has already proven herself. Ms Higgins was unaware of her nomination as optician of the year until the award committee rang with the good news. Mr Brehony explained: “I nominated Aine on the suggestion of a patient. On a professional level she would be a very worthy winner of this award as she is the true definition of a patient centred optician.” One of the key factors in her selection was the testimonials from patients and business acquaintances.
Mongey Opticians was founded in the early 1930s by Dr Eamonn Mongey. It was taken over in the 1950s by Mary Rose Burke (nee Mongey ) and Iarla Mongey. In 2005, the practice was acquired by Áine Higgins and Damien Brehony. Since September 2008 the Ballinrobe practice now operates on a full time basis.
For more information on Mongey Opticians log onto www.mongeyopticians.ie or telephone Castlebar on 094 902 4115, Ballinrobe 094 952 1556.
